CNN Correspondent Sanjay Gupta to Keynote ISS Research and Development Conference

The International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISS R&D) today announced that Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief medical correspondent for CNN, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at its 5th annual meeting at the San Diego Town and Country Resort & Convention Center from July 12-14, 2016. The ISS R&D Conference was created to connect commercial and academic communities involved in new innovations, breakthroughs, and discoveries onboard humankind’s unique orbiting laboratory. This event is held in coordination with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the American Astronautical Society (AAS), and NASA.

Dr. Gupta is the multiple Emmy® award winning chief medical correspondent for CNN. Gupta, a practicing neurosurgeon, plays an integral role in CNN's reporting on health and medical news for all of CNN's shows domestically and internationally, and contributes to CNN.com. His medical training and public health policy experience distinguishes his reporting from war zones and natural disasters, as well as on a range of medical and scientific topics, including the recent Ebola outbreak, brain injury, disaster recovery, health care reform, fitness, military medicine, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, Dr. Gupta is the host of Vital Signs for CNN International and Accent Health for Turner Private Networks. In 2015, Dr. Gupta profiled the ISS in a section on Vital Signs and will again address the possibilities that exist through station inquiry.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Gupta keynote the 2016 ISS R&D Conference,” said CASIS Director of Marketing and Communications Brian Talbot. “As a world-renowned leader in reporting breakthrough health and medical news, Dr. Gupta’s participation in the conference can bring the amazing possibilities of conducting health research on the International Space Station to new audiences.”

“Dr. Gupta’s participation in this year’s ISS R&D Conference is most appreciated and is in keeping with the high quality of speakers featured at this important annual event,” said AAS Executive Director Jim Kirkpatrick.

CASIS and NASA leadership will also present new opportunities that the ISS can bring to researchers from a variety of scientific disciplines and backgrounds. Current ISS users from across a wide spectrum of commercial and academic entities will have the opportunity to present their findings at the conference. Presently the conference is accepting calls for abstracts, which can be submitted at: http://www.issconference.org/#Abstracts

Registration for the 2016 conference is now open. To learn more about ISS R&D 2016, including how to register, please visit: http://www.issconference.org/

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About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

About AAS: The American Astronautical Society is America’s premier network of space professionals, technical and non-technical, dedicated to advancing all space activities. The Society, founded in 1954, is committed to strengthening the nation’s space programs, inspiring the next generation of space professionals and expanding cooperation with international space organizations.